A history of the Optimist Club of Ajax

The Optimist Club of Ajax is a local service club chartered by Optimist International, an association of more than 2,600 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. With their upbeat attitude, Optimist Club members help empower young people to be the best that they can be.

The Optimist Club of Ajax was chartered on August 19th 1981 with 41 members. Some of the original members have since moved from the community, while others have joined to take their place. Members are involved in raising money and supporting the many projects that benefit the youth of the Town of Ajax.

In summary, the members of the Optimist Club are striving to make their community a better place to live and to aid youth in becoming better citizens in the future.

Some activities of the organization include:

Kids’ Safety Village of Durham Region

The Optimist Cub of Ajax is a co-sponsor and builder of the Kids’ Safety Village of Durham Region. We continue to have a major involvement with this initiative.

Colouring Book

Description of program

Snowshoe Program

Description of program

Youth Appreciation Week

In the first year, the club honoured 2 young people 10-12 years old that stopped a runaway school bus and assisted the driver who had passed out at the wheel.

Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund was started and has since grown to include five Ajax high schools.

Kidney Foundation

The Optimist Club of Ajax was, for several years, the largest seller of peanuts during the Kidney Foundation’s annual funds drive.

Ringette Association

The club provided financial assistance as well as club members themselves helping to run the Ringette Tournament held each year in the Ajax/Pickering area.

Youth Golf Tournament

In May 1983, the club ran it’s first Youth World Golf Tournament qualifier. This event is still held annually and is eagerly anticipated by a large group of youngsters.

Purposes of the Optimist Club

To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed

To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs

To inspire respect for law

To promote patriotism and work for International accord and friendship among all people

To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one's self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.

Mission, Vision, Creed

Mission Statement

By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.

Vision Statement

Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them to develop to their full potential.

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.